A gang of cigarette thieves strikes in Southampton for the second time in 48 hours

A GANG of cigarette thieves have struck again - the second time in just 48 hours in Southampton.

Thousands of pounds worth of stock was taken when raiders forced their way in to a city newsagents early yesterday morning.

Shop staff told how they arrived at the premises in Coxford to find the metal shutters torn open and glass strewn across the pavement.

CCTV footage which is being examined by police is believed to show a gang of four men in their early 20s arrive at Hollyoak Stores in Holly Oak Road at 4.30am, some of them on a motorbike.

The thieves, who were all wearing hooded jumpers, used an iron pole to prize the shutters open and smash their way through the glass door panel before three of them entered the shop.

They jumped across the counter, forced the shutters across the cigarette counter and made off with £5,000 worth of cigarettes.

Police examine the scene at Hollyoak Stores

It is the second time in 12 months that the shop has been raided - a gang made off with beer, spirits and cigarettes in June.

And the break-in comes after the Daily Echo revealed how the BP petrol station in Paynes Road in Shirley was targeted in exactly the same way and around the same time of the morning on Saturday - again involving four masked men.

In that burglary they stole cash from the till as well as a large quantity of cigarettes.

Gnana Sooriya, owner of Hollyoak Stores, took over the shop last month and had planned a refit as he prepared to move to Southampton from London with his family.

The 40-year-old dad-of-two said: “I only took over on March 24 but everyone's always polite and helpful. These thieves must be from another area.

“I'm frightened that this could happen again and that someone could get hurt.

“We had planned to move to this area but I need to think about it now because I have two children.”

The shop is open as normal today but the theft has left residents shaken.

Ashraf Sumra, 35, a teaching assistant who has recently moved to Holly Oak Road from Romsey, said: “I've only just bought the place so it's a little bit unnerving. I've only been here a couple of weeks.”

Denise Elslick, 67, retired, said: “It's not very nice. That's the second time it's happened but I still feel safe because I've lived here all my life and it's a close knit community. Word will soon get out about who did it.”

joblow wrote:
No one heard nothing in the flats above?.
All that racket going on.

If it was like when our local shop got done over by these raiders, people would have been looking out between their curtains doing nothing to help!

[quote][p][bold]joblow[/bold] wrote:
No one heard nothing in the flats above?.
All that racket going on.[/p][/quote]If it was like when our local shop got done over by these raiders, people would have been looking out between their curtains doing nothing to help!boxing_nut

Denise Elslick, 67, retired, said: “It's not very nice. That's the second time it's happened but I still feel safe because I've lived here all my life and it's a close knit community. Word will soon get out about who did it.”

Does she think she lives in the middle of Eastenders.

Why will word get out who did, in my opinion there is about a 1% chance that they are local people. So how should anyone know?

Shutters are so noisey it would of made hell of a noise, can not believe no one saw it and if it's so tight knitted why did no one call the police then because someone must of noticed even after with the shutter up.

Quote
Denise Elslick, 67, retired, said: “It's not very nice. That's the second time it's happened but I still feel safe because I've lived here all my life and it's a close knit community. Word will soon get out about who did it.”
Does she think she lives in the middle of Eastenders.
Why will word get out who did, in my opinion there is about a 1% chance that they are local people. So how should anyone know?
Shutters are so noisey it would of made hell of a noise, can not believe no one saw it and if it's so tight knitted why did no one call the police then because someone must of noticed even after with the shutter up.southamptonadi

The person who has just moved in from Romsey didn't do their homework, why would you move to the Outer Circle area? its a complete sh1thole the armpit of Southampton. As for the Police doing door to door enquiries don't make me laugh the people round there would not call you if they heard anything they would have given the thieves a helping hand. I done that area a few yrs back as a Postie it sure opened my eyes I can tell you.

The person who has just moved in from Romsey didn't do their homework, why would you move to the Outer Circle area? its a complete sh1thole the armpit of Southampton. As for the Police doing door to door enquiries don't make me laugh the people round there would not call you if they heard anything they would have given the thieves a helping hand. I done that area a few yrs back as a Postie it sure opened my eyes I can tell you.loonaloop

Shop I worked in got robbed.They bashed open the back doors and attempted to dig the safe out of the floor and dragged another safe out the back into a van.Smashed open the alcohol cupboard and ciggarette store.People upstairs heard nothing, saw nothing.But complained about the noise of the radio, apparently too loud.odd that.

Shop I worked in got robbed.They bashed open the back doors and attempted to dig the safe out of the floor and dragged another safe out the back into a van.Smashed open the alcohol cupboard and ciggarette store.People upstairs heard nothing, saw nothing.But complained about the noise of the radio, apparently too loud.odd that.wilson castaway

Denise Elslick, 67, retired, said: “It's not very nice. That's the second time it's happened but I still feel safe because I've lived here all my life and it's a close knit community. Word will soon get out about who did it.”

Does she think she lives in the middle of Eastenders.

Why will word get out who did, in my opinion there is about a 1% chance that they are local people. So how should anyone know?

Shutters are so noisey it would of made hell of a noise, can not believe no one saw it and if it's so tight knitted why did no one call the police then because someone must of noticed even after with the shutter up.

HA HA HA living in eastenders....did make me chuckle

[quote][p][bold]southamptonadi[/bold] wrote:
Quote
Denise Elslick, 67, retired, said: “It's not very nice. That's the second time it's happened but I still feel safe because I've lived here all my life and it's a close knit community. Word will soon get out about who did it.”
Does she think she lives in the middle of Eastenders.
Why will word get out who did, in my opinion there is about a 1% chance that they are local people. So how should anyone know?
Shutters are so noisey it would of made hell of a noise, can not believe no one saw it and if it's so tight knitted why did no one call the police then because someone must of noticed even after with the shutter up.[/p][/quote]HA HA HA living in eastenders....did make me chuckleZexagon

loonaloop wrote:
The person who has just moved in from Romsey didn't do their homework, why would you move to the Outer Circle area? its a complete sh1thole the armpit of Southampton. As for the Police doing door to door enquiries don't make me laugh the people round there would not call you if they heard anything they would have given the thieves a helping hand. I done that area a few yrs back as a Postie it sure opened my eyes I can tell you.

Stop chatting absolute Sh*t!!!! I moved here four years ago after living in supposedly 'nicer' areas of Maybush, Rownhams and Marchwood..... I love it and have never been happier. Have never had any trouble and my neighbours are all spot on. There is a great community here.... you make it sound like a friggin ghetto lmao!!! Just cos a shop gets targeted it doesn't mean it is a reflection of the people that live round it!!! Bet nothing bad has ever happened where you live in your perfect little world..... Judgemental ****!!!!

[quote][p][bold]loonaloop[/bold] wrote:
The person who has just moved in from Romsey didn't do their homework, why would you move to the Outer Circle area? its a complete sh1thole the armpit of Southampton. As for the Police doing door to door enquiries don't make me laugh the people round there would not call you if they heard anything they would have given the thieves a helping hand. I done that area a few yrs back as a Postie it sure opened my eyes I can tell you.[/p][/quote]Stop chatting absolute Sh*t!!!! I moved here four years ago after living in supposedly 'nicer' areas of Maybush, Rownhams and Marchwood..... I love it and have never been happier. Have never had any trouble and my neighbours are all spot on. There is a great community here.... you make it sound like a friggin ghetto lmao!!! Just cos a shop gets targeted it doesn't mean it is a reflection of the people that live round it!!! Bet nothing bad has ever happened where you live in your perfect little world..... Judgemental ****!!!!snookymom

loonaloop wrote:
The person who has just moved in from Romsey didn't do their homework, why would you move to the Outer Circle area? its a complete sh1thole the armpit of Southampton. As for the Police doing door to door enquiries don't make me laugh the people round there would not call you if they heard anything they would have given the thieves a helping hand. I done that area a few yrs back as a Postie it sure opened my eyes I can tell you.

Stop chatting absolute Sh*t!!!! I moved here four years ago after living in supposedly 'nicer' areas of Maybush, Rownhams and Marchwood..... I love it and have never been happier. Have never had any trouble and my neighbours are all spot on. There is a great community here.... you make it sound like a friggin ghetto lmao!!! Just cos a shop gets targeted it doesn't mean it is a reflection of the people that live round it!!! Bet nothing bad has ever happened where you live in your perfect little world..... Judgemental ****!!!!

OK, in that case, I'll take ten packs off you please.

[quote][p][bold]snookymom[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]loonaloop[/bold] wrote:
The person who has just moved in from Romsey didn't do their homework, why would you move to the Outer Circle area? its a complete sh1thole the armpit of Southampton. As for the Police doing door to door enquiries don't make me laugh the people round there would not call you if they heard anything they would have given the thieves a helping hand. I done that area a few yrs back as a Postie it sure opened my eyes I can tell you.[/p][/quote]Stop chatting absolute Sh*t!!!! I moved here four years ago after living in supposedly 'nicer' areas of Maybush, Rownhams and Marchwood..... I love it and have never been happier. Have never had any trouble and my neighbours are all spot on. There is a great community here.... you make it sound like a friggin ghetto lmao!!! Just cos a shop gets targeted it doesn't mean it is a reflection of the people that live round it!!! Bet nothing bad has ever happened where you live in your perfect little world..... Judgemental ****!!!![/p][/quote]OK, in that case, I'll take ten packs off you please.Big Mac

loonaloop wrote:
The person who has just moved in from Romsey didn't do their homework, why would you move to the Outer Circle area? its a complete sh1thole the armpit of Southampton. As for the Police doing door to door enquiries don't make me laugh the people round there would not call you if they heard anything they would have given the thieves a helping hand. I done that area a few yrs back as a Postie it sure opened my eyes I can tell you.

Stop chatting absolute Sh*t!!!! I moved here four years ago after living in supposedly 'nicer' areas of Maybush, Rownhams and Marchwood..... I love it and have never been happier. Have never had any trouble and my neighbours are all spot on. There is a great community here.... you make it sound like a friggin ghetto lmao!!! Just cos a shop gets targeted it doesn't mean it is a reflection of the people that live round it!!! Bet nothing bad has ever happened where you live in your perfect little world..... Judgemental ****!!!!

OK, in that case, I'll take ten packs off you please.

Lol..... I'll speak to my neighbour for you ;)

[quote][p][bold]Big Mac[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]snookymom[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]loonaloop[/bold] wrote:
The person who has just moved in from Romsey didn't do their homework, why would you move to the Outer Circle area? its a complete sh1thole the armpit of Southampton. As for the Police doing door to door enquiries don't make me laugh the people round there would not call you if they heard anything they would have given the thieves a helping hand. I done that area a few yrs back as a Postie it sure opened my eyes I can tell you.[/p][/quote]Stop chatting absolute Sh*t!!!! I moved here four years ago after living in supposedly 'nicer' areas of Maybush, Rownhams and Marchwood..... I love it and have never been happier. Have never had any trouble and my neighbours are all spot on. There is a great community here.... you make it sound like a friggin ghetto lmao!!! Just cos a shop gets targeted it doesn't mean it is a reflection of the people that live round it!!! Bet nothing bad has ever happened where you live in your perfect little world..... Judgemental ****!!!![/p][/quote]OK, in that case, I'll take ten packs off you please.[/p][/quote]Lol..... I'll speak to my neighbour for you ;)snookymom

loonaloop wrote:
The person who has just moved in from Romsey didn't do their homework, why would you move to the Outer Circle area? its a complete sh1thole the armpit of Southampton. As for the Police doing door to door enquiries don't make me laugh the people round there would not call you if they heard anything they would have given the thieves a helping hand. I done that area a few yrs back as a Postie it sure opened my eyes I can tell you.

House to house isn't just about asking 'did you see anything' but then I wouldn't expect you to use your brain and think of the bigger, wider picture

[quote][p][bold]loonaloop[/bold] wrote:
The person who has just moved in from Romsey didn't do their homework, why would you move to the Outer Circle area? its a complete sh1thole the armpit of Southampton. As for the Police doing door to door enquiries don't make me laugh the people round there would not call you if they heard anything they would have given the thieves a helping hand. I done that area a few yrs back as a Postie it sure opened my eyes I can tell you.[/p][/quote]House to house isn't just about asking 'did you see anything' but then I wouldn't expect you to use your brain and think of the bigger, wider picturethesouth

loonaloop wrote:
The person who has just moved in from Romsey didn't do their homework, why would you move to the Outer Circle area? its a complete sh1thole the armpit of Southampton. As for the Police doing door to door enquiries don't make me laugh the people round there would not call you if they heard anything they would have given the thieves a helping hand. I done that area a few yrs back as a Postie it sure opened my eyes I can tell you.

Stop chatting absolute Sh*t!!!! I moved here four years ago after living in supposedly 'nicer' areas of Maybush, Rownhams and Marchwood..... I love it and have never been happier. Have never had any trouble and my neighbours are all spot on. There is a great community here.... you make it sound like a friggin ghetto lmao!!! Just cos a shop gets targeted it doesn't mean it is a reflection of the people that live round it!!! Bet nothing bad has ever happened where you live in your perfect little world..... Judgemental ****!!!!

Don't worry about him, people think that if they slag off another area, it makes the one they live in better. Sad really

[quote][p][bold]snookymom[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]loonaloop[/bold] wrote:
The person who has just moved in from Romsey didn't do their homework, why would you move to the Outer Circle area? its a complete sh1thole the armpit of Southampton. As for the Police doing door to door enquiries don't make me laugh the people round there would not call you if they heard anything they would have given the thieves a helping hand. I done that area a few yrs back as a Postie it sure opened my eyes I can tell you.[/p][/quote]Stop chatting absolute Sh*t!!!! I moved here four years ago after living in supposedly 'nicer' areas of Maybush, Rownhams and Marchwood..... I love it and have never been happier. Have never had any trouble and my neighbours are all spot on. There is a great community here.... you make it sound like a friggin ghetto lmao!!! Just cos a shop gets targeted it doesn't mean it is a reflection of the people that live round it!!! Bet nothing bad has ever happened where you live in your perfect little world..... Judgemental ****!!!![/p][/quote]Don't worry about him, people think that if they slag off another area, it makes the one they live in better. Sad reallythesouth